USAmerica: disappearing from its own films

"American films used to be an advertisement for life in the states -- there was sophistication, depth, the allure of a cool, complex manner. Now most big studio films aren't interested in America, preferring to depict an invented, imagined world, or one filled with easily recognizable plot devices. 'Our movies no longer reflect our culture,' said a top studio executive "

It's hard not to feel a certain schadenfreud [sorry to my US readers]: Hollywood films have long exported USAmerican values and dreams and realities to the rest of the world. Now there is a biteback effect. The sheer realities of global reach and perceptions of USA by the growing non-USA consumers of filimic produce seem to be forcing a mythical USA on the films. My schadenfreud comes form that 'hoist by your own petard' thing but also a 'taste of your own medicine': Brits have long had to endure the reflection back to us of a mythical England and Scotland. Look at Bridget Jones, Notting Hill, Four Weddings and a Funeral and so on. It's interesting too that MacDonalds has been trying to redo its menus to suit those who find traditional USAmerican tastes are not really theirs ...

Cynical amusement episode over.

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